LED light fixture

ABSTRACT

An LED light fixture system includes an LED module having a plurality of LEDs attached thereto and directed inwardly toward a secondary optic. The LED module is releasably attached to an interior surface of a peripheral frame. The frame includes an openable portion positioned to allow the LED module to be inserted or removed through an opening created when the openable portion is in an open position. The openable portion is movable from the open position to a closed position and provides an electrical connection between the LEDs attached to the LED module and a source of electrical current when the openable portion is in the closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/032,026 filed on Feb. 15, 2008, entitled “LED LightFixture,” the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates, in general, to lighting and, in particular, toan LED light fixture.

BACKGROUND ART

Standard incandescent lighting remains the light of choice for mostapplications today and yet it is relatively inefficient and fails moreoften relative to other lighting options. Fluorescent bulbs have beenaround for decades. They have been the indoor lamp of choice in manyapplications such as office lighting because of their efficiencycompared to incandescent lighting. However, fluorescent lighting alsohas its detractors. The rising cost of energy and the desire to reduceenergy use to minimize our “carbon footprint” has caused a look forother types of lighting.

The light produced by a light emitting diode (LED) is emitted from asolid object, i.e., a block of semiconductor—rather than from a vacuumor gas tube, as is the case in traditional incandescent light bulbs andfluorescent lamps. Unlike traditional lighting, an LED creates visiblelight with reduced heat generation or parasitic energy dissipation. Inaddition, its solid-state nature (i.e., from a solid object and not avacuum or gas tube) provides for greater resistance to shock, vibration,and wear, thereby increasing its lifespan significantly.

An LED is usually a small area source, often with extra optics added tothe chip that shapes its radiation pattern. LED's are often used assmall indicator lights on electronic devices and increasingly in higherpower applications such as flashlights and area lighting. Indicationrefers to the use of a light source that is to be viewed directly as aself-luminous object, such as in signs, signals, indicator lights onelectronic equipment and back lighting units. Illumination refers to theuse of a light source to view other objects by the light reflected fromthose objects, such as the general lighting found in most rooms, or tasklighting found on many desks.

Advantages of LEDs include high durability (e.g., no filament or tube tobreak), long life span (e.g., LEDs can last approximately 100,000hours), low power consumption, flexible application (e.g., the smallsize of LEDs can lead to unique lighting devices) and low heatgeneration.

Thus, a need exists for an light fixture which is energy efficient, longlasting and which may be used in multiple applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, an LED light fixturesystem which includes an LED module having a plurality of LEDs attachedthereto and directed inwardly toward a secondary optic. The LED moduleis releasably attached to an interior surface of a peripheral frame. Theframe includes an openable portion positioned to allow the LED module tobe inserted or removed through an opening created when said openableportion is in an open position. The openable portion is movable from theopen position to a closed position and provides an electrical connectionbetween the plurality of LEDs attached to the LED module and a source ofelectrical current when the openable portion is in the closed position.

The present invention provides, in a second aspect, an LED pendant lightfixture which includes a plurality of LEDs attached to a peripheralframe and positioned to direct light in a first direction inwardlytoward a secondary optic. A primary opening is bounded by outsidesurfaces of a front side of the frame and located in a second directionsubstantially orthogonal to the first direction relative to thesecondary optic to provide direct lighting from the secondary opticthrough the primary opening toward an area below the frame when theframe is suspended from a support. A secondary opening is locatedopposite the primary opening on the frame and is located in a thirddirection substantially orthoganol to the first direction relative tothe secondary optic to provide indirect lighting from the secondaryoptic through the secondary opening toward an area above the frame whenthe frame is suspended from a support.

The present invention provides, in a third aspect, an LED light fixturewhich includes a plurality of LEDs attached to a peripheral frame andpositioned to direct light inwardly toward a secondary optic. An openingis bounded by outside surfaces of a front side of the frame to providedirect lighting from the secondary optic through the opening toward anarea below the frame when the frame is suspended from a support. Theframe includes a plurality of mounting holes to allow the frame to bemounted to the support. A decorative cover is releasably attachable tothe frame to cover the mounting holes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED light fixture system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an LED module for use in the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a portion of the LED module of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of claim 1 with the LEDmodule of FIG. 2 extending therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of detail 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of detail 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of detail 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of detail 6 of FIG. 5 with the LEDmodule removed therefrom;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view in simplified form of the system ofFIG. 1 suspended from a ceiling;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 having acover engaging the system to cover a secondary opening;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the covering portion of thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the covering portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an LED light fixture systemhaving grooves for receiving covering portions in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 17 showing a grooveand retaining member for a covering portion;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the portion of FIG. 17 depicted inFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of an LED light fixture system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 20 showinga covering portion connectable to a frame; and

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, LED lightfixture systems and methods for using LEDs are provided.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, an LED luminaire or lightfixture system 10 is provided which includes a frame 400 engageable witha trim or covering portion 100. Frame 400 may include a primary lightingopening 410 which is bounded by a front surface 415 of frame 400. Abackplate or covering portion 500 may be releasably engageable with aback surface 425 (FIG. 10) of frame 400 such that a secondary lightingopening 430 may be revealed when covering portion 500 is not engagedwith frame 400.

An LED die or module 200 may include a plurality of light emittingdiodes or LED's 210 as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 22. Four LED modules200 may be releasably connected to frame 400 such that the modules maydirect light inwardly toward a secondary optic 300 as depicted in FIG. 4which shows optic 300 and modules 200 exploded and separate from frame400. As depicted in this figure, the modules and LEDs may substantiallysurround secondary optic 300 and may direct light inwardly toward aninterior area of the optic through the outside edges of optic 300.Further, the LEDs may be substantially evenly linearly distributed onthe LED modules as depicted in FIG. 2, for example. LED module 200 maybe a standard LED strip module as used in the semiconductor industry.

Secondary optic 300 may be formed of a material (e.g., acrylic)configured to diffuse or soften light produced by the LEDs and toprovide illumination through primary lighting opening 410 and/orsecondary lighting opening 430. For example, system 10 including theLEDs and secondary optic are configured to provide illumination (i.e.,use thereof to view other objects by the light reflected from thoseobjects, such as the general lighting found in most rooms). In oneexample, a secondary optic could be made of acrylic glass (e.g., staticfree acrylic), such as PLEXIGLASS, which would provide for the diffusionof light therethrough and therefore through illumination openings (e.g.,primary lighting opening 410 and/or secondary lighting opening 430) in afixture. Further, the secondary optic could be made of variousmaterials, such as glass or plastic, useful for diffusion andillumination.

As depicted in FIGS. 5 through 8, frame 400 may include an openableportion or door 450 to allow access to an interior 460 of frame 400.Door 450 may be releasably attachable or otherwise connectable to a side470 of frame 400. For example, door 450 may be connected to a hinge (notshown) which may also be connected to side 470. Door 450 may also beheld in closed position by a screw, or other fastener releasablyengagable with side 470.

As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, interior 460 may have a groove 465 whichmay receive LED module 200 having a plurality of LEDs 210 attachedthereto. Groove 465 may be configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) toreceive LED module 200 therein such that LED module 200 may be slid outof interior 460 through door 450 when door 450 is an open position.Groove 465 may be defined by retaining portions 467 which extend towardone another and inhibit movement of an LED module (e.g., LED module 200)in a direction inwardly toward secondary optic 300 while allowingmovement laterally into and out of groove 465. For example, LED module200 may be replaced with a another LED module through door 450 when LEDmodule 200 has degraded and its capacity for providing light hasdiminished.

As depicted in FIGS. 7-9, door 450 may include prongs or electricalconnectors 452 configured to cause electric connection between a sourceof electrical current and LEDs 210 of LED module 200. For example,connectors 452 may be connected to a source of electrical current and anelectrical connection may occur when door 450 is in a closed positionand connectors 452 contact connectors (e.g., an anode and diode) 455(FIGS. 4, 7-9) of LED module 200 in connector slot 457.

As depicted in FIG. 4 and described above, each side of frame 400 mayreceive an LED module (e.g., LED module 200) with LEDs (e.g., LEDs 210)directed inwardly. Accordingly, each side of frame 400 may include adoor, such as door 450, to allow the LED modules utilized in frame 400to be removable and replaceable. Thus, system 10 may be energized byelectrical current, and therefore operate, only when all the doors(e.g., door 450) on the sides of frame 400 are in a closed position.Further, each side may include a groove, such as groove 465, forreceiving the LED modules.

The replaceability of the LED modules via the grooves and doors allowssystem 10 to be upgraded as the LEDs (e.g., LEDs 210) degrade over timeor when it is desired to substitute existing LED modules for brighter,more efficient, brighter or otherwise desirable (e.g., change in color)substitute LED modules, for example, as technology advances.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, frame 400 may include front surface 415and back surface 425. Inner ends 416 of front surface 415 may define orbound primary lighting opening 410 while inner ends 426 of back surface425 may define or bound secondary lighting opening 430. Back surface 425may also include a plurality of heat exchange fins 450 (FIG. 15) whichprovide a heat sink to ensure that the LEDs (e.g., LEDs 210) do notoverheat. In particular, the fins conduct heat from the LED modules andLEDs through the connection of the LED fins to back surface 425 whichare located on an opposite side of frame 400 relative to the LED modulesand LEDs. The use of such a heat sink inhibits the degradation of theLEDs (e.g., LEDs 210) attached to the LED modules (e.g., LED module200).

As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, frame 400 may be suspended from aceiling portion 500 via a supporting member such as a chain, cord orother structure for supporting frame 400 suspended from such a ceiling.Secondary opening 430 allows light to project from secondary optic 300therethrough to provide lighting toward ceiling portion 500 therebyproviding indirect lighting to a room or space. The use of such indirectlighting alleviates a “cave effect” which may be caused by a suspendedlight fixture which direct light downwardly but leaves a relativelydarkened area above the light fixture.

As depicted in FIG. 14, system 10 may include covering portion 500releasably connectable to back surface 425 such that a user may utilizesystem 10 suspended as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 or flush mounted to aceiling portion, such as ceiling portion 500. In this way, a lightfixture, such as system 10, may be supplied to a consumer as a kit andthe consumer may determine whether to flush mount or suspend the lightfixture. In the suspended option, indirect lighting may be suppliedthrough opening 430 when covering portion 500 is not engaged with frame400.

Returning to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16, frame 400 may includemounting holes 420 extending therethrough from front surface 415 to backsurface 425 to facilitate flush mounting of frame 400 to a ceiling orother supporting structure. Multiple mounting holes 420 may be placedalong a perimeter of frame 400 to facilitate mounting via a screw, nailor other fastener at a convenient point relative to a supportingstructure. After frame 400 has been mounted to such supportingstructure, covering portion 100 may be connected to frame 400 to hidemounting holes 420. For example, covering portion 100 may includeprojecting portions 412 extending from a back surface 110 of coveringportion 100 and configured (e.g., shaped and dimension) to be receivedin holes 310 such as containing PEM® brand fasteners to connect coveringportion 100 to frame 400 thereby hiding mounting holes 420. For example,projecting portions 412 and/or holes 310 such as containing PEM® brandfasteners may be formed of a material which is a elastically deformablesuch that the projecting portions may be deformed radially inwardly asthey are received in the holes and the projection portions may reboundto provide a frictional fit holding covering portion 100 on frame 400.Further, covering portion 100 may be releasably connectable to frame 400such that the covering portion may be removed to allow access tofasteners connecting frame 400 through mounting holes 420 after frame400 has been connected to a supporting structure. Moreover, coveringportion 100 may be formed in any number of decorative designs, colors ormaterials (e.g., wood, glass, plastic, etc.), such that a coveringportion may be replaced by a different colored or designed coveringportion as desired by a user. Further, covering portion 100 may beformed as one monolithic integral piece or may be formed in multiplepieces attachable to frame 400.

In another example depicted in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, one or more coveringportions 500 may be received in one or more grooves 550 formed byholding portions 560 extending outwardly (e.g., in a L shape) from anouter surface of frame 700 and configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned)to connect such covering portions to the frame instead of connecting viaprojections and holes as described above. Such covering portions mayhave extension portions which are received in the groove, or theentirety thereof may be received therein, to releasably connect the oneor more covering portions to the frame. As described above, the coveringportions are configured to cover mounting holes of the frame whenconnected thereto.

In a further example, one or more covering portions (e.g., coveringportion 800) may include one or more holes 810 configured to receive afastener (e.g., screws, nails, etc.) to connect the covering portion toa frame 850 as depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21. The holes may then be filledin by plugs 870 having a size slightly larger than the holes receivingthe fasteners such that the plugs may be held therein to cover thefastener holes by a frictional fit. Alternatively, the plugs may be heldtherein in any other manner such as via glue, adhesive or welding. Suchplugs may also be removable to allow access to an interior of frame 850,for example.

It will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that althoughthe frames (e.g., frame 400) described and depicted herein are formed ina square shape, different shapes could be used for the lighting fixturesystems (e.g., light fixture system 10) in accordance with the presentinvention. Further, the LED modules could be formed in multiple shapesto allow the lighting fixtures to be formed in such various shapes.Also, any number of LED modules of various sizes and number of LEDs maybe utilized to form such shapes.

Also, the internal environment (e.g., interior 460) of the LED panelfixture may be monitored via various sensors such as to measuretemperature and the amount of electrical current used. The results ofsuch sensors may be analyzed relative to the carbon footprint of thefixture and money saved relative to standard lighting.

Further, the LED modules may be energized and controlled by a driver.The driver may be located adjacent system 10 (e.g. in a ceiling portionnearby) and the driver may be controllable by a standard potentiometer,for example. In a further example, such a driver could be incorporatedinto an interior of a frame (e.g., frame 400) of an LED light fixturesystem (e.g., LED light fixture system 10).

Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described indetail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant artthat various modifications, additions, substitutions and the like can bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention and these aretherefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as definedin the following claims.

1. An LED pendant light fixture comprising: a plurality of LEDs attachedto a peripheral frame and positioned to direct light substantially in afirst direction from said frame inwardly toward a secondary optic; asupporting member connectable to said frame and mountable tohorizontally support said frame with a primarily opening facingdownwardly and a secondary opening facing upwardly; said primary openingbounded by outside surfaces of a front side of said frame and located ina second direction substantially orthogonal to said first directionrelative to said secondary optic to provide direct lighting from saidsecondary optic through said primary opening toward an area below saidframe when said frame is suspended from said supporting member; and saidsecondary opening opposite said primary opening on said frame andlocated in a third direction substantially orthogonal to said firstdirection relative to said secondary optic to provide indirect lightingfrom said secondary optic through said secondary opening toward an areaabove said frame when said frame is suspended from said supportingmember.
 2. The fixture of claim 1 further comprising a releasablyattachable portion connectable to said frame and dimensioned to coversaid secondary opening when said releasably attachable portion isconnected to said frame.
 3. The fixture of claim 1 wherein saidsupporting member is operable to suspend said frame horizontally from aceiling.
 4. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said secondary optic isoperable to soften light produced from said LED module.
 5. The fixtureof claim 1 wherein said frame comprises fins extending away from a backside of said frame to provide a heat sink for cooling of the LEDs. 6.The fixture of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises an openingpositioned to allow said plurality of LEDs to be inserted or removedthrough said opening in said frame.
 7. The fixture of claim 1 whereinsaid frame comprises an openable portion positioned to allow saidplurality of LEDs to be inserted or removed through an opening createdin said frame when said openable portion is in an open position.
 8. Thefixture of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises an electrical connectionbetween said plurality of LEDs and a source of electrical current. 9.The fixture of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises an openingpositioned to allow said plurality of LEDs to be inserted or removedthrough said opening in said frame, and said frame comprises anelectrical connection between said plurality of LEDs and a source ofelectrical current when said plurality of LEDs is inserted in saidopening and disposed in said frame.
 10. The fixture of claim 1 whereinsaid frame comprises an openable portion comprising electricalconnectors which engage secondary electrical connectors of saidplurality of LEDs when said openable portion is in a closed position.11. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said plurality of LEDs comprises anLED module.
 12. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said plurality of LEDscomprises an LED module removably receivable in a groove of saidperipheral frame.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality ofLEDs comprises a plurality of LED modules releasably attached tointerior surfaces of said peripheral frame and directed inwardly. 14.The fixture of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises a plurality ofmounting holes to allow said frame to be mounted to the supportingmember, and a decorative cover releasably attachable to said frame tocover said mounting holes.
 15. The fixture of claim 14 wherein saidcover comprises a plurality of projections configured to be received ina plurality of holes of said frame to attach said cover to said frame.16. The fixture of claim 15 wherein said plurality of projections iselastically deformable to allow said projections to be received withinsaid holes to provide a friction fit between said projections and saidholes.
 17. The fixture of claim 14 wherein said frame comprises aretaining member forming a groove configured to receive said cover. 18.The fixture of claim 14 wherein said cover comprises at least oneconnecting hole receiving a fastener connecting said cover to said frameand wherein said connecting hole receives a plug for covering saidconnecting hole.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein said peripheral frameencloses said plurality of LEDs.